The Centralia Foundation was started over sixty years ago. It became
the mission of Verne Joy, the local publisher of the newspaper. Joy
originally oversaw the formation and development of the Foundation
Park located on the East side of Centralia.

Mr. Joy made a contribution of 73 acres
to the park, now know as Joy Fields. His gift was joined by Dr.
Carl Hall, who gave a tract
of land, which lay to the North and East of the property. Also contributing
to the project was Caroline M. Robnett who donated her 40 acre family
farm.

Today the park has expanded to approximately
300 acres and has been maintained in a state of natural serene
beauty since its inception.
Those founding fathers also established an organization to oversee
the funds and Park System in the form of the Centralia Foundation.
Seven unpaid trustees sit on the board and direct the operation
of the multi-million dollar system. The system also includes the
world's sixth largest carillon and a world class recreation complex,
which houses an Olympic size swimming pool.

Operational funds have grown through the generosity of local donors
in and around the Centralia Area. Through the ongoing expansion
of the Foundation, scholarships have been established to provide
an important source of revenue to many students each year.

The Centralia Foundation, through operational agreements between
the Jaycee Foundation and the Centralia Rotary Clubs Foundation
also owns Jaycee Park/Sprehe Field and Rotary Park. It is involved
in a host of other projects, all with the same basic interest of
improving the lifestyle of our community.